International Consultancy - Health Facility Survey Implementation Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency dedicated to improving reproductive health and family planning services globally. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health services, aiming to recover lost gains and achieve its goals by 2030.

Job Overview:
The International Expert will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the Health Facility Survey (HFS) in Kyrgyzstan, which is part of the Health System Strengthening Project of UNFPA. This position requires the expert to ensure that the survey adheres to the highest methodological standards and aligns with the established survey framework. The expert will work closely with a selected research company and provide technical expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of the survey. The goal is to gather robust data that will inform policy formulation and improve reproductive health services in the country. The expert will also be responsible for capacity building among local researchers and data collectors, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct the survey effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Methodological Guidance: Reviewing and refining the survey methodology, providing technical input on sampling design, ensuring survey instruments align with standard methodologies, and validating the methodology with stakeholders.
• Supervision of Data Collection: Collaborating with the research company to ensure adherence to data collection protocols, conducting quality assurance checks, and monitoring the recruitment and training of enumerators.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Applying appropriate statistical methods in data analysis, preparing analytical reports, interpreting data, and developing the final survey report.
• Capacity Building: Conducting training sessions for national researchers and data collectors, enhancing their analytical skills, and ensuring they can effectively process and interpret survey results. The consultant is expected to deliver outputs at various stages, including reviewing national health policies, validating survey methodology, overseeing training, providing expert input on data analysis, and supporting the dissemination of findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Demography, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, or a related field. They should have extensive international experience in designing and implementing health facility surveys, preferably in low- or middle-income countries. A minimum of five years of experience in developing analytical reports, research papers, or academic theses related to health system strengthening or public health is required. Strong expertise in survey methodology, data collection, and statistical analysis is essential, along with demonstrated knowledge of reproductive health and family planning services. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations in reproductive health research is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, either a Master's or PhD, in relevant fields such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Demography, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, or similar disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health facility surveys and the analytical skills needed for effective data interpretation and reporting.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience, particularly in designing and implementing health facility surveys. This experience should include working with health statistics and micro-data analysis, as well as familiarity with health facility data. The candidate should also have a proven track record of leading research teams and coordinating processes effectively within a team environment, demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the expert will be required to communicate effectively in a global context. Knowledge of Russian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the expert's ability to engage with the regional context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 9 months, from April to December 2025, with a total of 30 working days. The consultant will work remotely, with no travel required. Payments will be made in two installments based on the completion of specified deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in all aspects of employment, including training, compensation, and selection.